Whether you’re working in a lab or a manufacturing plant, weighing is a critical step. Inaccurate measurements can lead to expensive mistakes and delays.
Automated weighing systems can help improve efficiencies in the workplace. They provide streamlined processes that integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing setups. They also come with features that manage data, crucial for inventory management and quality assurance.
Accuracy
Weighing accuracy refers to the accuracy of a scale’s output and the consistency of its results. Linearity is a measure of the scale’s straightness; precision and repeatability are measures of how closely the scale reproduces its initial reading after repeated weighings under identical conditions.
A balance’s calibration and location can impact its accuracy. It should be calibrated on a regular basis with certified calibration weights, and the location should be well shielded from vibrations, temperature fluctuations and air currents.
To maximize your weighing system’s accuracy, select load cells and weight controllers with impressive worst-case specifications. Invest in high-quality components specially designed for your application and follow good housekeeping practices to minimize mechanical interference that can affect performance.
Safety
Weighing chemicals is a critical process that must take safety precautions into account. The use of chemicals that are considered toxic or hazardous is not recommended, as they can pose health hazards for workers and can damage the environment.
Regular calibration and inspection of the weighing equipment help to ensure its functionality over time. This step is especially important in industries that rely on strict quality standards for their products, like pharmaceuticals and food.
Positioning your weighing instruments in a stable location helps prevent inaccurate measurements and drift caused by vibrations, temperature changes or air drafts. Avoid putting your balances near air conditioning systems or larger laboratory equipment, as they are more likely to cause these disturbances. Using laboratory-grade weighing paper prevents material from sticking and maintains accurate readings.
Weighing systems used in hazardous locations need to be equipped with special protection that prevents fire or explosion. Intrinsically safe circuits limit the amount of electrical energy available to provide enough sparks to ignite combustible fumes/gases and dust.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the ability to complete a task without wasting resources like time, energy or materials. This includes avoiding mistakes that can occur during production, as well as minimizing wastes from overproduction or product defects.
Process weighing systems play an important role in maximizing operational efficiency. They help ensure that ingredients are weighed accurately to meet production specifications and quality compliance requirements.
Accurate weighing requires consistency, which means implementing a specific set of procedures and ensuring they are followed every single time. This also involves training your staff on how to use a new system so that they are comfortable with the processes and are not relying on the technology.
For example, when using an analytical balance, the sample should be added to a tared container and then placed on the pan. This allows the balance to “warm-up”, reducing some of the larger variations present in initial weighings and improving accuracy.
Automation
For industries like food & pharmaceuticals, weighing accuracy is essential. Any mistakes at this point in the process can result in costly product recalls or health risks for consumers.
Automated weighing systems reduce labor costs & improve production efficiency by eliminating human error & providing consistent, accurate results. By integrating weighing into the larger manufacturing process, automated systems also help ensure compliance with quality standards & regulatory requirements.
Smart weighing automation systems like METTLER TOLEDO’s IND360 offer a standard automation interface (SAI) that facilitates easy integration into PLC control systems. This allows engineers to focus on leveraging advanced weighing features for enhanced data management.
Direct weighing minimizes handling & improves product quality by transferring data directly from the balance to the control system without reentry of manual data. This is particularly important in applications with harsh environments, where a high level of precision is needed. High-precision weigh modules can detect deviations of one part in a million to achieve this level of accuracy.